You might have heard the term Noise Cancellation Technology when buying Microphones, Headphones, or Mobile Phones. The devices with Noise Cancellation Technology are expensive than the standard ones.
So, what is Noise Cancellation? What is ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) & PNC (Passive Noise Cancellation)? We will explain everything about Noise Cancellation along with its benefits and drawbacks.
Noise Cancellation is a Technology that cancels out the noise so that the vocals are clearly audible. Let us explain with different examples.
There are two Microphones on a Mobile Phone. The bottom Mic records the sound of the user & outside noise. Whereas, the upper Mic only records outside sound.
Using an algorithm, the Noise Cancellation Technology eliminates the Noise from both microphones. So, the other person can hear the user's voice clearly.
The Technology is getting very famous in Headphones & Earphones. There is a Mic on the outside of the Earphone/Headphone. It records the outside Noise, then creates an opposite wavelength to neutralize the noise.
It works the same in Microphones as well. However, they have an additional soft cushioning covering the Mic to cancel the Noise externally. We can also use Noise Cancellation Software to further eliminate the Noise.
ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) Vs PNC (Passive Noise Cancellation). What’s the Difference?
ANC is what we have discussed till now. Passive Noise Cancellation is a Technology that cancels the noise by using exterior materials. You will see PNC Technology only in Headphones & Earphones department.
In simple words, Manufacturers use sound-blocking materials while making Headphones. They are built in a way that blocks the outside noise. It does not need any Mic or Software.
Benefits of Noise Cancellation Technology:
A Scientist named Bose got the idea of creating Noise Cancellation Technology while traveling in a Plane to block outside disturbances. But today, we can use it while Sleeping, Working, Studying, Travelling, etc.
They can also be very useful to protect the ears from loud sounds like Mowing, Road Works, Drilling, Shooting Practice, Loud Music, Aeroplane Sound, Traffic Sounds, etc.
Drawbacks of Noise Cancellation Technology:
The only drawback of Noise Cancellation Technology is that you get disconnected from the outside world. They make you completely deaf. Several incidents were reported where users got in trouble by avoiding outside noise completely.
Therefore, Passive Noise Cancellation is not recommended by many. On the other hand, a new feature was added to Active Noise Cancellation, that is Hybrid Noise Cancellation.
While using Hybrid Noise Cancellation Headphones, you can easily turn on & off the ANC. Moreover, you can even choose how much outside noise you want to cancel.
The Noise Cancellation Technology keeps improving day by day as it is used more and more in new devices.